Washington State Ferries is asking ferry riders to adopt “social distancing.”

The request came Thursday as WSF and other agencies continue to ramp up efforts to respond to the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Washington state.

“The health and safety of our passengers and employees is our number one priority,” WSF said in a message to ferry users Thursday. “And while we continue to regularly clean our vessels and terminals, we need passengers’ help too.”

“On top of maintaining good hygiene habits and washing your hands, we encourage passengers to follow health officials’ recommendations for social distancing when possible,” the message continued.

“There are several options for ferry riders to maintain a healthy amount of separation from fellow passengers:

Customers can opt to stay in their vehicles if they drive on the ferry.

Ferry boats are much larger vessels than most other forms of transit, which gives passengers more opportunity to keep some distance between each other.

Restrooms with running water and hand soap are available on all vessels, unlike many other forms of public transit. Riders are encouraged to use these facilities.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.”

WSF also asked customers to consider if their ferry trips were necessary.

“Customers should also consider whether they need to travel. If travel is necessary, passengers should consider traveling outside of the morning and afternoon commutes when the largest number of passengers travel. If you feel ill or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider and avoid traveling if possible,” the message said.

“Thank you for your cooperation in this effort — despite our ‘social distance,’ we are all in this together,” the message said.